JU Board of Trustees elects Availity CEO Russ Thomas

The Jacksonville University Board of Trustees has unanimously elected Availity CEO Russ Thomas to the board, effective April 29, 2016.

Thomas leads an enterprise that delivers health care business solutions to a network connecting more than 1 million physicians and allied care providers, 2,700 hospitals, and more than 600 technology partners with health plans nationwide. He is also an industry and philanthropic leader, and serves on the Board for eHealth Initiative, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that drives improvements in quality, safety and efficiency of health care through information technology.

“There are very few senior executives in our region who have the rare combination of legal, business and technology expertise that Russ possesses,” said JU President Tim Cost. “As the world of healthcare information technology accelerates and expands, Russ is at the leading edge of so many disciplines we are working in today. He will be a great asset as we think through our direction and priorities for tomorrow.”

Under Thomas’ leadership, Availity has led the industry in provider engagement and empowering health care professionals to improve outcomes. Joining the organization in 2008 as President and Chief Operating Officer, he oversaw the acquisitions of RealMed in 2010 and RevPoint Healthcare Technologies in 2014. His vision helped diversify Availity’s solutions and grow its customer base, creating the foundation for the expansive Availity network that exists today.

Before joining Availity, Thomas was CEO of Gold Standard, a drug information database and clinical knowledge solution. He grew the company from a small start-up to a multi-sector leader in the health care market before selling the business to Reed Elsevier in 2006.

As an active civic volunteer, Thomas is chair of the 2015 United Way Northeast Florida Campaign. Through United Way, he developed a partnership with Ribault Middle School in the “Achievers for Life” dropout prevention program. Thomas was formerly a founding board member and past chairman of Hillsborough Kids Inc., which provides oversight and resources for more than 4,000 disadvantaged children in Hillsborough County.

Upon completion of his first three-year term on the JU board, Thomas will be eligible for reelection for two additional consecutive terms.

The Jacksonville University Board of Trustees is made up of 30 members, including 10 alumni, representing national leaders in a wide range of fields such as education, technology, health care, financial services, medicine and the law.

For more information, contact Phillip J. Milano, JU Director of News and Publications, at (904) 256-7042 or pmilano@ju.edu.